Connector for electrical apparatus.



S. TROOD.

CONNECTOR FOR ELECTRICAL APPARATUS.

APPLICATION FILED JAN. 28. 1913.

Patented Feb. 27, 1917.

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SAMUEL TROOD, OF EDGEWGOD PARK, PENNSYLVANIA, ASSIGNOR TO WESTINGI-IOUSE ELECTRIC AND MANUFACTURING CGMPANY, A CORPORATION 0F PENNSYLVANIA.

CONNECTOR FOR ELECTRICAL APPARATUS.

Application filed January 28, 1913.

To all whom t may concern:

Be it knownthat I, SAMUEL Troon, a citizen of the United States, and a resident of Edgewood Park, in the county of Allegheny and State of Pennsylvania, have invented a new and useful Improvement in Connectors for Electrical Apparatus, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to connectors for electrical apparatus, and it has special reference to fire-proof and water-proof plugconnectors.

ne object of my invention is to provide a plug-connector of a construction adapted to withstand, without damage, such internal stresses as are caused by unequal pressures or by sudden immersion of the connector, while hot, in cold water, thereby making the connector permanently waterproof.

Another object of my invention is to provide an inexpensive, rugged, compact and also fire-proof plug-connector.

Plug connectors as heretofore formed of porcelain and embedded conductors, were not watertight and when embodied in heating utensils were subjected to heating and cooling which often cracked the porcelain, and thus rendered the devices useless or impracticable because of the access of water to the normally insulated conductors.

According to my present invention, I provide a plug-connector embodying mechanically strong material, such as metal or fireproof cement, for positioning the conductors, and an inherently elastic and nonhygroscopic material, such as asphaltum or gum cement, for withstanding sudden changes in the internal stresses due to variations in pressure or temperature. Any cracks that may occur in the mechanically strong material are immediately filled by the elastic material by reason of the pressure or heat applied at the time to said material, thereby forming a permanently waterproof electrical plug connector.

In the accompanying drawing, Figure 1 is a longitudinal section of an electrical connector embodying my invention; Fig. 2 is a view in end elevation of said connector; Fig. 3 is a view, similar to Fig. 1, of a modification of my invention; and Fig. 4 is a similar view of a further modification showing an adjustably assembled plug,

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Feb. 27, 1917.

Serial No. 744,679.

whereby any desired pressure may be exerted on the elastic material.

Referring to the drawing, an incasing cylinder 1 is provided with disks 2 and 3 of fire-proof cement, metal or similar substances disposed within the ends thereof, and an intermediate body 4 of inherently elastic and non-hygroscopic material, such as asphaltum or gum cement. A plurality of sleeves 5 of conducting material extend through the disks 2 and 3 and have one end of each projecting outwardly and fashioned into a flat terminal 6 that is adapted to lit into a suitable receptacle connected to a supply circuit (not shown). Heater terminal leads 7 are incased in a handle member 8 and t tightly within the sleeves 5 throughout their lengths. It is understood that the particular type and arrangement of conductors hereinbefore described is not essential, but many variations thereof may be effected within the spirit and scope of my invention.

In Fig. 8, the incasing cylinder 1 has its ends closed by metal disks 9 and the intervening space is lled by asphaltum 4 or some similar elastic and non-hygroscopic material. Insulating bushings 10 are seated within openings 11 in the disks 9, and sleeves 12 of conducting material extend longitudinally through the asphaltum 4 and through the bushings 10, and have one end of each fashioned into a flat terminal 6. The heater terminal leads 7 fit tightly within the sleeves 12 throughout theirlengths and extend into a heating apparatus 13.

In Fig. 4, the incasing cylinder 1 has one end 14 closed by a disk 15 of lire-proof mechanically strong` material abutting against a shoulder 16 of the casing 1. The other end 17 is screw-threaded and adapted to receive an annular pressure plug 18. A second disk 19 is disposed adjacent to the inner end of the plug 18 and a cylindrical body 9.0 of soft rubber or other elastic'and non-hygroscopic material is disposed intermediate the disks 15 and 19. Sleeves 21 of conducting material extend through longitudinal openings in the elastic body 20 and the said disks, and have their ends severally fashioned into flat terminals 6. The heater terminal leads 7 fit tightly within the sleeves 21 throughout their lengths. It is evident that pressure may be exerted on the elastic body 2O by the plug 1S to cause said body to closely engage the sleeve 2l and the casing l and form a Waterproof barrier.

I do not Wish to be restricted to the specific structures and details herein set forth, but desire that only such limitations shall be imposed as are indicated in the appended claims.

I claim as my invention:

l. A terminal plug for electrical devices comprising an outer shell, plurality of conductors longitudinally extendingtherethrough, tube terminals disposed on said conductors, means disposed ivithin the ends of said shell for holding said tube terminals rigidly in position, and material having inherent elastic and non-hygroscopic properties disposed intermediate said ends and in intimate contact therewith for forming a Waterproof barrier Within said shell.

2. A terminal-plug for electrical devices comprising an outer tubular shell, a plurality oi? conductors longitudinally extending therethrough, tube terminals disposed on said conductors, mechanical means disposed within the ends of said shell for holding said tube terminals rigidly in position, and an internal body of inherently elastic and non-hygroscopic material disposed in intimate contact With the terminals for forming a Water-proof barrier Within said shell.

3. A terminal-plug Jfor electrical devices comprising an outer tubular shell, a plurality of conductors longitudinally extending therethrough, mechanical means disposed Within the ends of the shell for holding the conductors rigidly in position, an internal body of inherently elastic and non-hygroscopic material disposed in intimate contact with the conductors and between the positioning means for forming a Waterproof barrier Within the shell, and adjustable means for exerting pressure on the said material to thereby prevent ereepage of moisture along the conductors.

l. In an electrical connector, the combination with a plurality of electrical conductors, of an incasing member therefor, a relatively hard insulating member disposed at each end of the casing for positioning the conductors, a relatively soft non-hygroscopic insulating material disposed between the positioning members and in intimate contact With the conductors for pre- -ventino moisture from cree Dino alonfr the D D C conductors, and means for exerting a pressure on the relatively soft material.

5. In an electrical connector, the combination with a plurality of electrical conductors, of an incasing member therefor, a relatively hard insulating` member disposed at each end of the casing for positioning the conductors, an inherent elastic no-n-hygroscopic insulating material disposed between the positioning members and in such intimate contact With the conductors that the creepage of moisture along the conductors is precluded.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto subscribed my name this 23rd day of J anuary 1913.

SAMUEL TROOD. Titnesses R. J. RIDGE, B. B. I-IINEs.

Copies of this patent may bc obtained for five cents each, by addressing thc Commissioner of Patents, Washington, D. C. 

